The Bangalore Metro finally reached the northern parts of the city as the 9.9-km stretch from Malleshwaram to Peenya was flagged off by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday evening at Rajajinagar Metro station. Reach-3 and Reach-3a were opened to the public on Saturday.

The flag-off function on Friday was marred by delays, with the chief minister arriving three hours late at 9 pm. This further delayed the laying of the foundation store at Kanteerava Stadium, which had been scheduled for 7 pm but began only by 9.40 pm.

Union Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who was supposed to flag off the Metro, was absent. The inaugural train was packed with 1,500 people – including VIPs and Congress party workers – who travelled with Siddaramaiah.

Meanwhile, the public, who had gathered at Kanteerava Stadium by 6 pm to witness the foundation stone laying ceremony for Phase-2 of the Metro, went home disappointed. By 9 pm, the stadium was empty except for mediapersons, police and BMRCL officials stationed there to welcome VIPs.